Pyongyang, April 24 (KCNA) -- The Korean People's Army will mark its 80th birthday on Wednesday. Recorded in its glorious history are the undying feats of leader Kim Jong Il, who had steadily strengthened it into the army of the party and the leader.

In his early years Kim Jong Il set it as a programme for army building to model the whole army on the Juche idea and did his utmost to train the KPA to be ranks of vanguard fighters regarding it as their life and soul to devotedly defend their leader.

He promoted the movement for winning the title of O Jung Hup-led Seventh Regiment in the whole army so as to prepare the servicepersons to be strong in ideology and faith with the steadfast spirit of devotedly safeguarding their leader.

His inspection of Seoul Ryu Kyong Su 105 Guards Tank Division was a solemn declaration of the start of his Songun (military-first) guidance.

In the 1990s he pursued in an overall way the Songun politics with the People's Army as the main force of the revolution to meet the demands of the prevailing situation and the developing revolution.

He had wisely guided the KPA to grow to be ever-victorious army capable of defeating any formidable enemy at one stroke, as required by the Workers' Party of Korea's military strategic idea and Juche-based war method.

Visiting many units across the country in disregard of weather conditions, he gave courage to the servicepersons and took parental care of their living conditions.

He also paid deep attention to updating the country's defence industry and remarkably increasing the KPA's might in military technique. After all, the KPA has grown to be an elite army equipped with modern offensive and defensive means.

On the occasion of the army day, all the people, including servicepersons, are sorely missing Kim Jong Il, illustrious commander of Mt. Paektu, looking back on the glorious course of victory covered by them under his guidance.